At 6am, Cosima's alarm starts blaring. "Shut up," she groans.

"Sounds like it's time to get up," Delphine whispers in her ear.

"Nope," Cosima says resolutely.

Delphine kisses her neck, "You have to go to work, Felix and Leda will be waiting."

"They'll be fine. I want to stay here with you."

Delphine tightens her grip on Cosima, "I want that, too, but you have training." Delphine gives her a tight squeeze, then lets go and sits up. "Come on, get ready, I'm gonna go home."

"Fine," Cosima grumbles.

Delphine smiles at the grumpy display and leans forward, her lips mere inches from Cosima's, "Can I come over later?"

Cosima's frown instantly turns upside down, "Yeah, of course."

Delphine closes the gap between their mouths, "Great, I'll bring dinner. And truffles."

"Mmm, sounds good," Cosima nips at Delphine's lips as the blonde pulls away.

"Bye."

"Bye."

Delphine leaves the room, grabs her clothes, and heads for the exit. "Get up, Cosima," she shouts as she opens the front door.

"I'm up, I'm up," Cosima insists with her face buried in her pillow.

Delphine laughs as she closes the door behind her and starts towards the main house.

"Well, what do we have here?" a distinct British voice tsks.

Delphine takes a deep breath, composing herself, before turning around, "Good morning, Felix."

"Doing the walk of shame I see."

"Excuse me?"

He points towards the cottage, "You were just sneaking out of Cosima's place."

"I wasn't sneaking. I'm going home and she is getting ready to meet you for practice."

"Uh huh. I must say, I'm quite surprised by how fast you two are moving."

"We're not moving fast."

"No? Did you not just spend the night?"

"I don't see how that is any of your business. Also, since we have a moment alone," she moves towards the trainer purposefully, "what made you think it was okay for you to discourage Cosima from pursuing me?"

"Wait a second, why is it okay for you to discourage her and not me?"

"Because it's my life, you don't speak for me."

"I was trying to keep her from getting hurt. When have you ever expressed romantic interest in a woman? How was I supposed to know you'd embrace some newfound bisexuality?"

"Exactly, how would you know? In the same way you thought it couldn't happen, it did. And maybe I was scared, at first, to acknowledge my interest in Cosima, but I'm just extremely thankful she didn't give up on me, which she might have had she listened to you."

"Wow!"

"What?"

"I've never seen this side of you before. I'm used to the Delphine with ice water in her veins when it comes to relationships. Cosima's really gotten to you, hasn't she?"

"She has," Delphine smiles.

"Okay then, maybe I was mistaken."

"Is Felix Dawkins actually admitting he was wrong? It must be the end of the world as we know it."

"Whatever."

"I should go mark this day down in my calendar."

"You do that and I'll be sure to send you the welcome material."

"Welcome material?"

"Your LGBT starter pack, complete with rainbow flag."

"You're an asshole, you know that?" she turns and starts walking towards the house.

"So can I count you in for pride day, then?" he shouts after her and gets a middle finger flipped in his direction.

At 7:07am, Cosima enters the stables. "Good morning, Felix."

"Look who's seven minutes late and extremely happy this morning."

"What's not to be happy about? The sun is shining. The birds are chirping."

"Is this what I have to look forward to now that you and Delphine are sleeping together?"

"Huh?"

"Don't act so innocent, I saw her leaving your place this morning."

"It was just a sleepover, Felix."

"Okay, darling, whatever the lesbians are calling it these days. Just try not to be late again. Let's get you and Leda out there, I want to work on your time, you were a little slow yesterday."

"Slow? It was a gazillion freakin' degrees, you're lucky we're still alive," Cosima complains as she follows Felix and Leda to the track.

11 hours later, there's a knock on Cosima's door. She jumps up and answers it, "Hey, you."

"Bonsoir, ma cherie," Delphine gives Cosima a kiss as she enters the cottage. "I brought the truffles I promised. And I ordered us a pizza from Angela's, it should be here soon."

"Yum, good thinking." Cosima takes the bag of truffles and sticks her hand in it.

Delphine quickly yanks the bag away, "Not until after dinner."

"Seriously? Can't I have one at least?"

"No," Delphine puts the bag of truffles on the highest shelf in the room.

"Oh, come on, that is so not fair," Cosima whines.

"Too bad," Delphine smirks. "How was practice?"

"Good, we got down to 1:55.60 for 9 1/2 furlongs, which is pretty much on par with recent average winning times at the Preakness."

"That's great!"

"Yeah. Oh, also, Felix apparently saw you leaving here this morning."

"I know, we spoke."

"I'm pretty sure he thinks we're sleeping together. And I mean more than the kind of sleeping together we were actually doing."

Delphine shrugs, "He can think what he wants, I don't care."

"Really?"

"I told him it was none of his business."

"And that shut him up?"

"You know he always has something to say. It was fine."

"Okay, cool." Cosima wraps her arms around Delphine's waist, "What did you do today?"

"I assisted Dr. Rimbaud at his clinic."

"I didn't know you were doing that."

"It was a last minute thing. He called around 9 this morning and said he was short staffed and asked if I'd like to help out. I was trying to avoid veterinary work this summer after the blow up with Papa, but I realized, if this is going to be my career, I need all the hands on experience I can get."

"How was it?"

"Good. I learned a lot, actually. They're treating a horse with melanoma and today they removed his tumor. Seeing the procedure in textbooks truly does not compare to seeing it in person. The skill and precision required, it was intense. They injected an anti-cancer drug, carboplatin, after tumor removal and, happily, the horse has a very good prognosis going forward. Tumors can recur though, so he has to be checked every few months." Delphine notices Cosima smiling at her, "What?"

"Nothing, I just like watching to you talk about this, your eyes light up just like when you told me about witnessing Leda's birth. Not that I wasn't already crushing on you, but that passion only made me like you more."

"I'm surprised my outburst prior to that didn't have the opposite effect."

"Actually, I thought your tantrum was kinda hot. And the way you stormed out of the house," Cosima fans herself.

Delphine laughs and grabs Cosima's hands, "You're dumb."

"So how'd you leave it with Dr. Rimbaud?"

"He actually asked if I'd be interested in joining his practice when I graduate. Said he's getting ready to retire in the next few years and wants to leave his clients in good hands."

"Wow, you must have made a very good impression, not that I'm surprised. What are you gonna do?"

"I told him I'd think about it. First I need to graduate. Then I have to decide if I even want to stay in town. But I am going to go back next week to put in more hours. I'll be able to get some credit for it."

"Nice!"

"Yes, but right now, I just want to put in some hours with you," Delphine leans down and kisses Cosima.

"Mmm, Dr. Cormier," Cosima hums.

A knock at the door a few minutes later interrupts their smooches. "That must be our pizza," Delphine says as she pulls away and answers the door. She hands the delivery boy cash and places the pizza box on the coffee table.

"That smells so good," Cosima says as she plops down on the couch. Delphine grabs some paper plates and napkins before sitting down next to her and doling out the slices. "Tastes even better," Cosima declares after she takes a bite. She turns to face Delphine, crossing her legs under herself. "Thanks."

"My pleasure," Delphine turns and mimics Cosima's seating position. They sit in silence for a while, enjoying their pizza and their view of one another.

"If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would you choose?" Cosima asks as she finishes her third slice.

"Hmm," Delphine thinks for a moment, "probably those truffles up there."

"You're cruel."

"They're worth the wait, trust me. What about you?"

"Eskimo Pies," Cosima states without even thinking.

Delphine laughs, "Guess we both have an enormous sweet tooth."

"Yes, we do. Now can you please bring those down and let me eat them?"

"Okay, but only because you're so cute." Delphine gets the bag from the high shelf she placed it on and hands it to Cosima.

"Thank you very much," Cosima says as she accepts it and grabs a truffle, popping it in her mouth. "Holy shit, this is delicious." Cosima holds out the bag for Delphine.

"I know," Delphine smiles as she takes one.

"Are truffles from France?"

"Originally."

"Wow, I'm loving France more and more everyday. First you, now these, that country is the gift that keeps on giving."

"I'm happy to be on par with truffles."

"You're more like a close second," Cosima says through a mouthful of chocolate.

"Very nice," Delphine jokingly smacks Cosima's leg.

"I'm kidding," Cosima protests. "I can't forget French fries, those would actually be in second place."

Delphine grabs the bag from Cosima and stands up on the couch, holding it high over her head, "I'm third? Really?"

Cosima jumps up and tries to grab the bag, "What's wrong with coming in third to truffles and French fries?"

"Nothing, who wouldn't appreciate their girlfriend listing them third on their favorite French things list?"

"Exactly, who wouldn't?" Cosima stops reaching for the bag, "Hold up, did you just call me your girlfriend?"

"Did I?"

"You did."

"Well, you're a girl and you're also a friend."

"Delphine," Cosima wraps her arms around the blonde, "that's not what you meant."

"It's not?"

Cosima shakes her head, "Are we officially making this official?"

"Do you want to make it official?"

"Is there any reason not to?"

"I guess only if you want to see other people. Like, I don't know, Shay."

"No, I don't want to see Shay or anybody else. I told you, I only have eyes for you. What about you? Do you want to date anybody else?"

"No, you're more than enough for me to handle," Delphine wraps her arms around Cosima's waist. "I have no interest in anybody else but you."

"Good, then you're my girlfriend."

"And you're mine."

"I bet that's not something you ever thought you'd say," Cosima giggles.

"No, but I'm very happy I did," Delphine kisses Cosima.

Cosima slowly moves her arms from Delphine's neck, down her back, before suddenly letting go and reaching behind herself, grabbing the bag of truffles from Delphine's hands, breaking their kiss, and jumping off the couch. "Aha, I got them, sucka," she stuffs two truffles in her mouth.

"Is it too late for me to rescind the girlfriend thing?"

"Yup," Cosima grins. "But since you're my girlfriend, I'll share." She tosses a truffle to Delphine.

Delphine catches it, devours it, then grabs her shoulder bag and heads for the bathroom.

"Where you going?"

"I'm going to change."

"Change?"

"I brought my own sleep clothes this time."

"You're staying over?"

"Yes, if that's okay?"

"Yeah, that's way more than okay," Cosima grins. She then breaks out into a little happy dance and starts singing, "My girlfriend's sleeping over. She wants to hold me."

"I'm already regretting this decision," Delphine remarks as she walks past Cosima and enters the bathroom.

Delphine exits the bathroom a little while later in a grey tank top, white boxers, and her hair pulled back in a ponytail. "Oh man!" Cosima exclaims when she sees her.

"What?"

"That's what you were wearing that first morning after we met."

"You remember what I was wearing?"

"How could I forget? I already thought you were hot, but morning Delphine is scorching." Delphine blushes. "There's something I should probably tell you about that day."

"What? That I was being a bitch? You don't need to remind me."

"No. About why I was there that morning."

"For breakfast?"

"Actually, no, I just used that as an excuse because I wanted to see you again."

"You did?"

Cosima nods, "I couldn't stop thinking about you after we met and I just really wanted to spend more time with you. I'm sorry, this probably sounds creepy."

"No, it's flattering. And I'm glad you were there that morning."

"Even though you were forced to hang out with me?"

"At the time, I admit, I was less than pleased, but as the day went on, and I got to know you, I was happy Papa insisted we spend time together. And now," Delphine walks over to Cosima, "I don't have to be forced to spend time with you, it's all I want to do. Now why don't you change so we can go to bed?"

"You don't have to ask me twice," Cosima hurries off to put on her pajamas. When she returns to the bedroom, Delphine is laying on the bed.

"Is that the periodic table on your shorts?" Delphine asks.

"Yup, and check out my t-shirt."

"I'm periodically awesome," Delphine reads. "I don't know, I think you're always awesome."

"Well I think my girlfriend is the awesomest," Cosima declares as she hops into bed, snuggling up to Delphine and giving her a kiss. "I'm never gonna tire of saying that."

"Of saying what?"

"That you're my girlfriend."

"I think it's more exciting that I get to say it."

Cosima turns to face Delphine, "How could it possibly be more exciting for you to say I'm your girlfriend than me about you?"

"Because my girlfriend won the Kentucky Derby."

"Oh, you're right, that is exciting. You should probably get a t-shirt made so you don't get laryngitis from telling everyone."

"Actually, I think I'll just wear a t-shirt that says my girlfriend is a cheeky little brat."

"Hey, I thought you said I was cute and sweet?"

"I'll add she's also cute and sweet at the bottom of the shirt in parenthesis."

"That works," Cosima grins as she lays back down and nestles against Delphine's side.

Delphine wraps her arms around Cosima and kisses her cheek as they settle in for the night.

—

"Felix, are you mad?" Delphine runs over to the track where Cosima and Leda are training. "Why are you making them practice in this rainstorm?"

"Making them? I told Cosima we should call it a day as soon as moisture hit my hair, but she insisted they continue."

"You're the trainer, order them to stop."

"In case you hadn't noticed, your girl is quite stubborn. If you'd like to give it a go, be my guest."

"Cosima," Delphine shouts, causing the jockey to turn her way and Delphine waves her over.

Cosima trots over on Leda, "Hey, what are you doing out here in the rain?"

"What am I doing? What are you doing? I have an umbrella and you are soaking wet."

"Aren't you the one who ran me through the sprinklers?"

"Running through the sprinklers on a hot day is quite different than being outside in a deluge like this."

"We're fine, really. We're just gonna run one more lap, I don't want to waste a minute of training with The Preakness just days away."

"Be careful," Delphine pleads.

"Always," Cosima smiles. "Ready Felix?"

Felix nods and holds up his stopwatch, "Get on your mark, I'll count you down." Cosima and Leda get into starting position on the track. "3…2…1…Go." Felix starts the timer and Cosima and Leda set off, sloshing through the increasingly wet and muddy track.

Delphine and Felix stand under their umbrellas, eyes fixed on the duo, with Felix periodically glancing at the time and Delphine worrying her bottom lip with her teeth.

Cosima and Leda cross the finish line and Felix hits stop. "So, how'd we do?" Cosima asks as she approaches the duo.

"1:59.12."

"That sucks, we did so much better yesterday."

"Cosima, you weren't racing in the rain on a messy track yesterday. You were necessarily cautious today and that is a decent time. Now let's go inside before I start to shrivel like a prune and your girlfriend chews her lips off."

Cosima glances at a worried Delphine and hops down off Leda. Delphine pulls her under her umbrella as they all walk towards the stables. Once safely inside, the rain picks up in ferocity. "Looks like we stopped just in time," Cosima remarks with a chuckle.

"It's not funny, Cosima, you and Leda could have gotten injured on that wet track."

"We're fine," Cosima wraps her arms around Delphine's waist, "but I appreciate your concern."

"Of course I'm concerned, I don't want anything to happen to you."

"You're so cute when you're worried," Cosima stretches to give Delphine a quick kiss.

"How come nobody is worried about me?" Felix asks as he finishes toweling Leda down. "It will easily take an hour to repair the damage to my hair."

"I think curls look cute on you," Cosima remarks.

"Curls?" Felix touches his hair. "Oh no no no. This will not do." He heads to the exit, opens his umbrella, and scurries off to his cottage.

The girls laugh in his wake, "Guess not everyone likes having curls."

"They do look better on you," Cosima says as she runs her hands through Delphine's hair.

"Do you want to make a run for it, too, get out of these wet clothes?"

"Nah, I'm alright, and I like it in here, watching the rain fall, being alone with you," Cosima turns around, "and 7 of our closest horses." She pulls over a bale of hay and sits down, reaching her hand out for Delphine, "Sit."

"Hold on," Delphine goes to the back of the stables and returns with a blanket, wrapping it around Cosima's shoulders.

"Thanks, now come under here with me," Cosima extends her arm, holding the blanket open, and Delphine sits down next to her, wrapping her right arm around Cosima's waist, while her left pulls the blanket around herself. Cosima rests her head on Delphine's shoulder as they sit quietly and watch the rain fall steadily outside.

The downpour finally lets up an hour later and Delphine and Cosima go to the cottage where Cosima changes into dry clothes while Delphine makes dinner for them.

"Mmm, whatcha making?" Cosima asks as she enters the kitchen.

"Omelettes. You had a ton of eggs in the fridge."

"Your mom dropped them off after her last trip to the farmer's market."

"You have my mother doing your food shopping?"

"No, she just brings it out of the kindness of her heart."

"Between me cooking for you and my mother shopping for you, it seems you have the Cormier women wrapped around your little finger."

"Do I?"

"You do," Delphine says as she places a plate down in front of Cosima. "Bon appétit." She gives her a kiss before grabbing her own plate and sitting opposite her.

"C'est magnifique," Cosima declares as she begins eating.

Delphine looks at her with surprise, "Are you learning French?"

"Un peu," Cosima responds.

Delphine smiles at her as she takes a bite, "I look forward to hearing what else you've learned."

"Don't expect much, I've only got a few words and phrases down."

After dinner, Cosima clears their plates and does the dishes before joining Delphine on the couch. "That was great, merci."

"De rien. Do you want to watch a movie?" Delphine asks.

"No."

"Are you tired? Do you want to go to sleep?"

"No."

"What do you want to do?"

Cosima looks Delphine dead in the eye, "Je veux t'embrasser."

Delphine smiles, "Bien, embrasse-moi."

Cosima places her hand around the back of Delphine's neck and brings her lips towards the blondes. It's not long before things heat up and Delphine winds up with her back pressed into the cushions with Cosima on top of her. The strings hanging from Cosima's hoodie smack Delphine in the face as they kiss. "Off," Delphine moans.

Cosima leans back, "Sorry."

"Not you, your shirt," Delphine tugs on the hem.

Cosima pulls the sweatshirt over her head and tosses it to the side, then resumes kissing Delphine. "You know, it's not fair that I have no shirt on and you do."

Delphine reaches down and undoes the buttons to her black blouse, letting her shirt fall open, revealing a black bra underneath. "Better?"

"Much," Cosima nods as she moves her mouth to Delphine's exposed clavicle.

—

On Friday afternoon, Delphine's phone rings. "Hi Krystal," Delphine answers cheerfully.

"Hey Del, I just wanted to check what time you'll be picking me up tomorrow."

"We should be at your place by 9am. We'll be staying the night in Baltimore after the race and driving back home Sunday afternoon."

"Ok, cool. So how are things going with you and Cosima?"

"Things are going great. We're officially official."

"Officially what?"

"Girlfriends."

"Oh, I just assumed that was already the case, but I'm happy to hear you say it. So give me the scoop, how's the sex?"

"Krystal!" Delphine admonishes

"What? It's not like this is something we haven't discussed before."

"I know, but this time it's different."

"Yeah, exactly, that's why I want to know how it is."

"I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?"

"I couldn't tell you because it hasn't happened."

"Wait, you two haven't done it yet?"

"No, we haven't. We've only been dating a short time."

"I know, but you've spent practically every night together since you got back from the Derby. Are you just reading each other bedtime stories?"

"Yes, we take turns reading to each other. She's reading me The Island of Doctor Moreau and I'm reading her Le Petit Prince. No, Krystal, there's no bedtime stories involved. We make out, a lot, we kiss and cuddle and, yes, we have slept together, but not in the biblical sense."

"I'm not religious, but I'm pretty sure this wasn't in the bible. So why haven't you done it? Doesn't she want to?"

"Yes."

"Don't you want to?" Delphine doesn't answer. "Del?"

"Yes, of course I want to, but I'm, I don't know, nervous, maybe."

"Because it's your first time with a girl?"

"I guess. When I'm with her, and we're kissing, it's hard to stop and not take it further. Just last night we were on the couch, things were getting pretty hot, our shirts came off, the kissing was amazing, but when her hands went to undo the button of my jeans, I pulled them away. She was totally respectful about it, and we continued making out the rest of the night, but I couldn't stop thinking about it. It's like my mind and body are at war. My body wants to go further, to let her touch me, to touch her in return, but then there's this voice in the back of my head worrying what if I don't enjoy it? What if I don't, well, you know."

"Honey, believe me, I've faked it many times, I know what you mean. You can't predict these things and if you go in with that attitude, you're putting way too much pressure on yourself and on her. Besides, maybe you'll be really bad in bed and she'll be the one who will be disappointed."

"Hey!"

"Don't 'hey' me, you're the one who is unexperienced with the ladies. If either of you is going to be a mess in the sack, my money's on you."

"Mon dieu, Now that you say that, what if I am the problem?"

"I'm sure she'll be patient with you."

"But what if it's a disaster? What if we don't have sexual chemistry and it ruins our relationship? Now that we're together, I don't want to screw this up."

"Del, relax, she's crazy about you. The only thing that'll be screwed are the two of you."

"Krystal, this isn't funny."

"I know, I know, sorry, I couldn't help it. For real though, it's obvious how much she means to you. Look how long you tried to deny your feelings for her and once you finally went on that date, that was it, you've been inseparable ever since. And lets not forget that you kissed her first. You went for it and it was totally great, right? And you haven't stopped kissing since."

"Are you saying once we have sex, we won't stop having sex?"

"Best case scenario."

Delphine laughs, "And worst case scenario?"

"Worst case, it's underwhelming. But I seriously doubt that'll be the case. I think you need to stop overthinking it. If you want it, go for it. And if you don't, or you need more time, that's fine, too."

"I want it, I really, really do. I just need to find a way to get past these anxieties." Suddenly, a lightbulb goes off in her head, "I think I'll leave it up to chance."

"What does that mean?"

"That means I need to talk to Cosima. I'll call you later."

Delphine finds Cosima in the stables brushing Leda, she sneaks up behind her and pinches her side, causing a little yelp to escape the jockey's lips.

Cosima turns around and smiles, quickly standing on her tippy toes to plant a kiss on Delphine's lips, "What brings you here?"

"I wanted to discuss something with you."

"Okay, what's up?"

"I think I'm ready to take things to the next level?"

"Alright. What level are you talking about?"

"Sex," Delphine blurts, causing Cosima's mouth to drop open in shock.

"Sex?" Cosima asks. "Between you and me?"

Delphine giggles, "Yes."

"Ok, wow! Well, I've been in the sun all morning riding Leda and I kinda stink, so I should probably go shower first."

Cosima starts walking towards the door and Delphine grabs her arm, "I'm not talking about sex right this second, Cosima."

"Oh, bummer, I was getting excited," Cosima pouts. "So when, exactly, were you envisioning this sex happening?"

"That depends on you."

"Me? I'm ready whenever you are. Name the date, time, place and I'll be there."

"Actually, I was thinking we should make a wager on it."

"You mean a sex bet?"

"Yes. If you win the race on Saturday, we have sex," Delphine states matter-of-factly.

"Right then and there on the race track? I don't think they've paid enough to witness that."

"Shut up, no we will not be having sex on the track. We can be respectable and do it in private."

"And if I don't win?"

"Then we don't have sex." Cosima's face instantly turns down. "Just this weekend, not ever," Delphine quickly adds.

Cosima looks up, "Delphine, do you want to do this? Have sex with me, I mean."

Delphine smiles, "I do."

"Then why are we making a bet about it instead of just letting it happen naturally?"

"You know I've been hesitant, which I realize is a result of my own insecurities, but I do want to be with you, Cosima. And I just thought if we made this bet, and you won, I couldn't let my worries stop me, I'd be committed."

"So romantic," Cosima deadpans.

Delphine tilts Cosima's chin up so they're looking into each other's eyes, "Cosima, I want you. I wouldn't be making this bet with you if I didn't. And if you don't win, I'm still going to want you and we're still going to have sex, just maybe at a slower pace."

"You know me winning is a long-shot, right?"

"I don't think so. You won the Kentucky Derby, that was a lot more unfathomable than this. And now," Delphine nibbles her ear, "you have extra," she kisses her neck, "incentive," she kisses her lips and Cosima's responds with fervor.

Cosima breaks away, panting, "Okay, you're on. I accept the bet." Cosima holds out her hand and they shake on it. "You know, I have a few hours till I leave for Baltimore, how would you feel about spending it making out some more?"

Delphine doesn't answer with words, instead she grabs Cosima's cheeks, pulling her up into a passionate kiss.